Many older adults fail to recognize the symptoms of depression or don’t take the steps to get the help they need. There are many reasons why elderly depression is often overlooked. You may assume that is just part of aging or you may be isolated with few people around to notice your distress. You also may be reluctant to ask for help. Of course, when you’re depressed, putting steps into action can be hard, but taking a short walk, for example, can boost your mood for the next two hours. By taking small steps day by day, you’ll find yourself feeling more energetic and hopeful again. Reach out for help if you are struggling.
Community News
Quality Time All Year Long
Now that the holidays are over, many of us go back to our busy lives so there is less time to spend with family. We have a compassionate challenge for you to keep an element of the “Holiday Quality Time” going throughout January and the rest of the year. We encourage you to see someone close to you with a bit more frequency than you did in 2022. A previous director of the Harvard Grant Study, a 75-year comprehensive study of adult development and happiness said “The only thing that matters in life are your relationships to other people.” (George Vaillant)
Taking Extra Care in Winter
‘Tis the season for freezing temperatures and slippery conditions that can lead to falls, falls that can result in serious injuries. In addition to obvious hazardous environmental conditions, the winter months bring with them unique characteristics and combinations of conditions that contribute to a higher risk of falling. Hypothermia, vitamin D deficiencies, and bringing winter risks indoors is among them. Work to help prevent winter falls by wearing foot wear that provides a good grip, dressing warmly – try layering your clothes, talk to your doctor about vitamin D supplements, and clean up any puddles from any weather you’ve tracked inside your home.
What Happens When Basic Needs Are Not Met?
It’s easy to take for granted hot water in our taps and food in our cupboards. The high cost of necessities means more children and adults are being pulled further into poverty. That ultimately impacts us all. Your donation to the SOS Winter Emergency Fund provides at-risk residents with vouchers for groceries, propane, and support for other basic needs. So, the next time you run your tap or turn on your light switch, pay your gratitude forward by helping someone in need. To learn more and to donate, visit our website or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
Start 2023 with Your Best Intentions!
Setting positive intentions is an incredibly powerful tool to support your success in 2023. Here are examples of daily intentions that can assist you. *Be grateful for three things today – Gratitude has the power to change your life. Practicing it brings peace of mind and switches your mindset from lack to abundance. *When you set an intention to bring abundance into your life, you set yourself up for a positive mindset. Do you need help making a list of all the things you want to achieve in 2023? Call today for a complimentary session on how to start your list.
Resolutions for 2023
With the start of the new year, we are hopeful that it will different than the last two years. 2022 is now officially over and as we embark on 2023, it is time to move forward. Let’s work on making resolutions that will help us through. Focus on that all-important Self-care (and Community-care)! Find the things in life that are enjoyable (and able to do within the constrictions of the pandemic), and resolve to commit to them regularly. Be specific yet flexible, and most importantly, make them enjoyable (not just healthy)!
Coldest Night of the Year
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. This fundraiser helps ICCS to run programs that provide shelter, care and holistic support to help them step forward to independence and hope. CNOY 2023 takes place on February 25th, 2023 – drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 180 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them.
Is Your Liver Healthy?
The liver plays a major role in many processes in our body (immunity, hormonal balance, detox). It is negatively impacted by increasing amounts of toxins in our food, household and beauty products and environment. Unfortunately, many of us don’t recognize the cry of our liver for help and don’t realize it has become sluggish and toxic until it starts seriously failing. There are many things you can do to support your liver: good sleep, no alcohol, a better diet (avoiding refined sugars, carbs and fats). In the Harmonic Egg we use orange and yellow lights, flute music and wood elements.
Danger of Negative Thoughts
Do you find yourself having negative thoughts? Negative thinking can be very harmful to our mental and physical health and makes us weak. If we think “I can’t do this” or “I am worthless”, we start to believe that it’s true. It is up to us to dismiss them. Thoughts are like clouds floating in the sky. We have the choice to latch onto them or to let them float on by. What we latch onto most, whether positive or negative, becomes the trend. Positive thoughts make us strong. Make 2023 the year to be strong in mind and body.
Access to Care When You Need It
When you need extra care, Brio Care Suites are available for respite stays, to promote recovery from surgery or long-term care. They are licensed and comply with all local health authority regulations. The Brio Care Suites offer dining options and activity programs designed specifically for Brio residents. A consistent care staff of licensed nurses and registered care aids is on duty 24 hours a day. Services offered include medication management; regular resident care meetings; bathing assistance; chef prepared meals; weekly housekeeping; towel and linen service; personal laundry; utilities including cable and internet; and recreation activities.
Importance of Vitamin D
With the darker winter months upon us, the sun’s rays are not strong enough for our bodies to produce Vitamin D. This is why Osteoporosis Canada recommends that most Canadian adults should take a daily vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health by facilitating the absorption of calcium. Plus, it also helps maintain muscle health and reduce the risk of fractures caused by falls. Several studies have suggested that it may also reduce the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and some cancers. Talk to one of our pharmacists about recommended doses.
